Up to 105 people fall ill in suspected food poisoning linked to Hong Van banh mi (Photo: Quoc Trieu)
According to Do Ngoc Hoa, deputy director of the Quang Ngai Health Department, 105 people have sought medical treatment since December 14 after consuming banh mi sold by Hong Van Bakery.
Patients reported symptoms including vomiting, fever and diarrhoea. Among those being treated, a 73 year old patient is in the most serious condition, suffering from acute kidney failure.
The ministry instructed the Quang Ngai Health Department to mobilise all available medical resources to treat patients and urgently trace the source of the suspected contaminated food.
Following the incident, Hong Van Bakery posted a public apology on social media, with its owner expressing regret and accepting responsibility. The business acknowledged shortcomings in food handling and processing.
All Hong Van Bakery outlets have been closed to facilitate the investigation. Local health authorities had earlier requested the shop to halt operations after dozens of people were hospitalised with similar symptoms.
Authorities were also told to identify the cause of the poisoning. If food safety violations are found, Hong Van Bakery will be dealt with in accordance with the law and the findings made public to warn the community, the ministry said.
Hong Van Bakery operates multiple outlets in Quang Ngai and sells thousands of banh mi each day.
